Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Polyurethane 2nd coat...AAAARGH!

Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.




View Full Version : Polyurethane 2nd coat...AAAARGH!


BenB
08-30-04, 10:43 AM
I refinished the wood floors in a small bedroom by sanding with 150 grit paper, using a random orbital sander. Applied the first coat fairly thickly. Looked very nice, though a few little bald patches remained. I figured that was fine, since I was going to use 3 coats.

I waited 5 hours, then applied second coat. But, humidity was kinda high, the floor was very slightly tacky underfoot. I wore socks(!), and I probably didn't use enough poly on the fleece roller pad.

Result: In one patch in particular, right by the door, I've now got a very marred surface: Hairs, sock fibers, streaks (from me trying to remove the hairs with a mineral spirit-soaked paper towel!), bubbles, nastiness all round.

My plan is to wait 24 hours, sand the area with 150 grit again, just to smooth things out a bit, then apply a thicker coat, and hope everything smoothes out. Any suggestions, please? My reputation's on the line: The wife had confidence in me...now she's not so sure!


deafbasturd
09-07-04, 08:14 AM
having many countless hours of experience with poly and wood, i would recommend that you go ahead and resand the floor with something a bit rougher. say 100-120 grit to remove some of the bubbles and hairs etc.

once you get that done, wash the floor thoroughly to get the dust and stuff up. working from a corner, use a roller to apply poly in 1 square yard sections. after rolling, use a brush to smooth the surface and remove any bubbles. (very important tip). do not apply very thick layers, you will get a better result with 3 thin layers. also, give the floor time to dry, read the instructions on the container for recommended application drying times.

as i mentioned in the subject line, these types of projects take time and patience. you will never get a completely perfect hair/dust/lint free surface, due to the nature of gravity,lol. but if you sand it wash it , do small sections and nap it with a brush, you will get good results. the last floor i did, the customer wanted a high gloss. you shoulda seen the looks in their eyes when they returned from vacation, lmao.
good luck.

Carpets Done Wright
09-07-04, 10:30 AM
150 is too much for a wood floor to accept a finish. Has to do with surface tension.

The smoother it is, it has a tendency to bead the finish as you apply. Like a waxed car in the rain, so to speak.

Thinner coats are better then thick coats. Thick coats are brittle. and don't dry right.


Sand with 100 and use a thin coat of finish.